Laundry Press Finishing Device

ABSTRACT

This invention comprises a lower iron  2  on which a laundry  1  is mounted and an upper iron  3  to press finish the laundry  1 . The lower iron  2  being formed into a belt conveyor shape with an iron main body  21  for accepting a press pressure of the upper iron  3 , an annular moving cover  22  for covering the outer peripheral surface of the iron main body  21 , endless transmittance members  23  integrally formed with this moving cover  22  and formed into an annular shape, and transmittance wheels  24  over which the endless transmittance members  23  are applied. This invention a driving device  6  for rotating the transmittance wheels  24  only by a predetermined length in response to a control signal got from a controller  5  every time the aforementioned upper iron  3  is opened after pressing operation and sending the moving cover  22  rearward. The laundry  1  being sent by this driving device  6  rearward together with the moving cover  22  to press finish it with the upper iron  3.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to a laundry press finishing device, which is, in particular, one preferably formed to press finish laundry with the surface like such as sheets, table clothes, handkerchieves and like.

2. Related Art of Invention

As this type of conventional devices, there has already been provided with the laundry pressing finishing machine, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,280,290, for example, which comprises a lower iron on which the laundry is mounted and an upper iron for depressing the upper surface of the lower iron to press finish the laundry.

Conventionally, in this type of prior art device, when a long-sized laundry such as sheets was to be press finished, it was necessary to repeat such operations as one in which at first a part of the sheets was pressed with the upper iron and then the position of the sheets was displaced and set again and after this work, the upper iron was lowered again to press against the sheets.

Accordingly, in the case that this type of laundry was to be press finished with the prior art pressing machine, there occurred some problems that it required a tremendous amount of labor and time.

Additionally, as described above, since it was necessary to lift up or lower the upper iron several times, there could easily occur some troubles that an operator's head or hands were held by accident with the upper iron and got scaled in touch with the upper iron.

In addition, the prior art pressing machine showed a poor working efficiency and also a poor convenience in use when a pressing work for the sheets was started because the operator usually could not move away from the machine and could not perform other works.

Further, this type of prior art pressing machine frequently showed a case in which the upper iron was installed near a position where the operator stood for setting the laundry at the lower iron. Accordingly, the prior art machine sometimes showed a dangerous state in which the operator's head or the like got scaled with the upper iron when the operator set the laundry on the lower iron.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In view of some circumstances as found in the prior art pressing machine, this invention has been invented.

Accordingly, a technical problem to be resolved by this invention consists in enabling the plane laundry such as the sheets or handkerchief or the like to be press finished safely without any troublesome work.

In order to resolve the aforesaid problems, this invention provides such technical means as follows.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, this invention comprises the lower iron for use in mounting the laundry and the upper iron for depressing an upper surface of the lower iron to press finish the laundry, in which the aforementioned lower iron is formed into a belt conveyor shape with an iron main body for accepting a press pressure of the upper iron, an annular moving cover covering the outer peripheral surface of the iron main body, endless transmittance members integrally formed with the moving cover and formed into an annular shape and transmittance wheels over which the endless transmittance members are applied and wherein there is provided a driving means for rotating the transmittance wheels only by a predetermined length in response to a control signal got from a controller every time the aforementioned upper iron is opened after the pressing operation to transfer the cover in a rearward direction, the laundry is sent by this driving device in a rearward direction together with the moving cover and press finished with the upper iron.

In this invention, although the driving device is usually constituted by a rotating force generating machine such as an electric motor and the like, it may also be applicable that this driving device is constituted under a combination of a cylinder and a device for changing a linear motion of a rod in the cylinder into a rotating motion. The transmittance member is constituted by a belt or a chain, for example and the controller is constituted by a microcomputer and a sequencer. The predetermined length defined in this case is meant practically to be the same one as a width of the iron surface of the upper iron in a forward or rearward direction or a length slightly shorter than that. This value is set for preventing a part not to be pressed in the laundry from being generated when the laundry is sent intermittently and pressed with the upper iron.

Additionally, although the transmittance wheels in this invention are arranged at the front and rear positions of the lower iron, it may also be applicable that they may be provided with a tension wheel, for example. In addition, this invention may also be applicable in such a way as that it is combined with a device for supplying the laundry to the upper surface of the lower iron or the lower iron is formed into a vertical elongated shape as seen from its side surface to cause the laundry to be sucked to the moving cover, for example, then the laundry to be sent from below toward the upper surface of the lower iron and the laundry to be press finished with the upper iron.

This invention is preferably to arrange that a length of the upper surface of the lower iron in a forward or rearward direction is formed to be longer than a width of the iron surface of the upper iron in a forward or rearward direction and that the iron main body is position set at the rear side.

A reason why this operation is carried out consists in the fact that the laundry can be set on the upper surface of the lower iron that is faced to the operator and then its convenience in operation is improved. Additionally, in this case, since the upper iron becomes to be arranged at the rear side of the device in correspondence with the iron main body, occurrence of trouble in which the operator's head or hands are contacted with the upper iron when the operator sets the laundry onto the upper surface of the lower iron can be reduced more and correspondingly the setting work can be carried out safely.

Further in this case, as shown in FIG. 1 etc. this invention comprises preferably that the upper surface of the lower iron is formed in an upward slant shape from a front side toward a rear side, an upper surface of the iron main body is formed into a convex curved shape as seen from a side surface in correspondence with a concave curved iron surface of the upper iron.

Since the laundry is sent while being raised, no wrinkle is generated at the laundry, but the laundry can be sent regularly and correspondingly the laundry can be press finished in a neat manner. In addition, in accordance with operation, it is possible to arrange the upper iron at the high position of the rear side of the device and it can be used more safely.

In addition, this invention preferably comprises that a feeder device for receiving the press finished laundry dropped from the rear side of the lower iron and feeding it to a recovery location is provided and formed.

By the above device, the press finished laundry can be received easily and quickly.

Additionally in this case, this invention is preferably to comprise that the feeder device is formed by a conveyor for feeding the laundry forward and arranged below the lower iron.

By the above, one can receive the laundry quickly and easily at the front side of the device.

Additionally in this case, this invention is preferably to comprise that the feeder device is formed into a slide-shape inclined down toward the front side and arranged below the lower iron.

By the above device, it make the feeder device to be more simply and low cost service is gained.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, this invention is preferably to have a device for folding back the already press finished laundry dropped from the rear side of the lower iron in a forward or rearward direction and folding while accepting the laundry is provided and formed.

By the above device, it can recover to a long-sized laundry folded over.

Additionally, as another configuration of this invention, a device shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 can be applied. This invention shown in FIG. 1 is operated in such a way that every time the upper iron is opened, the laundry is transmitted intermittently in a rearward direction and press finished. To the contrary, the device of this invention shown in these figures is operated in such a way that when the laundry is sent to a location below the upper iron on the first operation and press finished, the laundry is returned back to the front side and recovered. Accordingly, the device of another configuration of this invention is suitable for finishing a short plane laundry such as a handkerchief or the like, for example.

So, this invention is provided and formed by comprising the lower iron on which the laundry is mounted and the upper iron for depressing the upper surface of the lower iron to press finish the laundry;

said lower iron being formed into a belt conveyor shape with the iron main body for accepting a press pressure of the upper iron, an annular moving cover for covering the outer peripheral surface of the iron main body, endless transmittance members integrally formed with this moving cover and formed into an annular shape, and transmittance wheels over which the endless transmittance members are applied; length of the upper surface of the lower iron in a forward or rearward direction is formed to be longer than a width of the iron surface of the upper iron in a forward or rearward direction and the iron main body is position set at the rear side; additionally the driving device for rotating said transmittance wheels in a normal or a reverse direction, there being provided and formed the driving device for rotating said transmittance wheels in a normal or a reverse direction, and a control circuit outputting to said driving device a signal for rotating the transmittance wheels in a normal direction to send the laundry rearward together with the moving cover so arranging it on the iron main body before pressing, and for rotating the transmittance wheels in a reverse direction to return the laundry forward together with the moving cover when a press finishing is completed and the upper iron is opened.

In the case of this invention, the configuration of the driving device, the transmittance members, the transmittance wheels and like is the same as this invention according to claim 1 in FIG. 1. The control circuit is structured by the microcomputer and the sequencer.

Additionally in the case of this invention, the upper surface of the lower iron is formed into an upward slant shape from the front side toward the rear side, and the upper surface of the iron main body is formed into a convex curved surface as seen from a side surface in correspondence with a concave curved iron surface of the upper iron is preferred.

By the above, since the laundry is forwarding on upward slant shape from the front side, the laundry can be kept in good order without slack so that the neatly press finishing may be done. Future, by this process, the upper iron can be formed at the high position at the rear side of the device, so that it can be used much safely in work operations.

Additionally this invention, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 21, a set work auxiliary device for expanding the laundry in rightward and leftward directions and arranging it on the moving cover is installed in an upper side position of the lower iron and a front side position of the upper iron is preferred.

By the above device, set work of wide laundry can be made easily.

Additionally in this invention as shown in FIG. 22 and like, it is preferable that the front side of the upper iron is provided with a guard member for preventing an operator's hand or fingers from entering below the upper iron.

By the above member, it can prevent from injure that an operator's hands were held by the upper iron.

Additionally in this invention as shown in FIG. 24, it is preferable that members for preventing a zigzag motion of the moving cover are arranged at both sides of the lower iron.

By this member, even if the position of the transmittance wheels and like is got out of position, it can prevent the zigzag motion of the moving cover and treat laundry moving to strait.

Additionally in the case of this invention as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper iron is formed in such a way that its lifting-up or descending motion can be carried out and its rear side can be pushed down and turned around a lateral shaft extending along a lateral direction as seen from a front side, and a drain pipe for use in flowing water generated from steam supplied into the upper iron is connected to the rear side of the upper iron.

A reason why this state can be obtained consists in the fact that a size of the device in its forward and rearward direction can be reduced as compared with that of a case in which the upper iron is turned in a forward or rearward direction because the upper iron performs a lifting-up or descending motion. In addition, in this case, a reason for it consists in the fact that a time required for the pressing operation can be shortened since the operating stroke of the upper iron becomes short. Further, in accordance with this arrangement, inclination of the upper iron enables water generated from steam within the upper iron to be drained easily and promptly.

In the case of this invention shown in FIG. 1, every time the upper iron is opened in this way, then the laundry is automatically sent to the rear side together with the moving cover for the same distance as the length corresponding to the forward and rearward width of the iron surface of the upper iron and is press finished.

Accordingly, applying this invention enables the long laundry such as the sheets to be press finished simply, easily and promptly.

Additionally, since this invention enables many times of moving-up or moving-down operations of the upper iron occurred in the prior art machine to be completely eliminated, this invention enables a rate of occurrence of accident such as burn or the like to be reduced.

In addition, in the case of this invention, when the laundry is set on the upper surface of the lower iron, the laundry can be press finished even if the operator moves away from the front part of the device. Accordingly, in accordance with this invention, another cleaning operation can be carried out together with this operation and it is possible to increase a working efficiency.

Further, in the case of this invention shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the laundry can be sent to a location below the upper iron under one time operation and press finished and after these operations, the laundry can be returned back to the front side and the laundry can be restored.

Therefore, in accordance with this invention, it is possible to make a complete and safe setting of a short plane laundry such as a handkerchief or the like in particular at a position spaced apart from the upper iron and perform a simple, easy and prompt press finishing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an essential section of a device of the preferable embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an essential section of the device of this invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an essential section of the device of this invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an essential section of the device of this invention.

FIG. 5 is an essential expanded cross sectional view showing cut-out portion taken along the line V through V of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an essential expanded cross sectional view showing cut-out portion taken along the line VI through VI of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a an essential side view explaining effects of an upper iron.

FIG. 8 is a an essential side view explaining effects of the upper iron.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an essential section of a device of the other embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 10 is an essential perspective view showing the device seen from the front side in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an essential rear view showing the device seen from the rear side in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing an essential section taken along XII through XII of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is an essential perspective view showing the device seen from the rear side in FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is an essential side view showing the other structure of this invention.

FIG. 15 is an essential perspective view showing the device of this invention in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing motion of a control circuit of the device of this invention in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is an essential side view showing the device of the other embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 18 is an essential front view showing the device of this invention in FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is an essential plan view showing the device of this invention in FIG. 17.

FIG. 20A is an essential plan view showing the right side of a set work auxiliary device.

FIG. 20B is an essential front view showing the right side of the set work auxiliary device.

FIG. 21A is an essential plan view showing the left side of a set work auxiliary device.

FIG. 21B is an essential front view showing the left side of the set work auxiliary device.

FIG. 22 is an essential perspective view showing the device of the other embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 23 is an essential side view showing a device of this invention in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is an essential perspective view showing the device of the further other embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiment of this invention will be described as follows:

The device of this invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is preferable for press finishing a long plane laundry 1 such as the sheets or a Japanese yukata and the like.

The device of this invention is provided and formed with the lower iron 2 on which the laundry 1 such as the above is mounted and the upper iron 3 for depressing the upper surface of the lower iron 2 to press finish the laundry.

The lower iron 2 being formed into a belt conveyor shape with an iron main body 21 for accepting a press pressure of the upper iron 3, an annular moving cover 22 for covering the outer peripheral surface of the iron main body 21, endless transmittance members 23 integrally formed with this moving cover 22 and formed into an annular shape, and transmittance wheels 24 over which the endless transmittance members 23 are applied.

A pair of front and rear transmittance wheels 24 in this preferred embodiment are formed.

The invention of this embodiment, the length of the upper surface of the lower iron 2 in a forward or rearward direction is formed to be longer than a width of the iron surface 31 of the upper iron 3 in a forward or rearward direction and the iron main body 21 is position set at the rear side. Additionally, the upper surface of the lower iron 2 is formed in an upward slant shape from a front side toward a rear side, the upper surface of the iron main body 21 is formed into a convex curved shape as seen from a side surface in correspondence with a concave curved iron surface 31 of the upper iron 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the upper surface of the iron main body 21 is covered with a cover 213 through a silicone mat layer 211 and a flannel layer 212.

Transmittance members 23 are formed by belts in this preferred embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the belt acting as each of the transmittance members 23 is provided with a flannel layer 231 and a cushion material layer 232 and is integrally formed with the moving cover 22 through these members.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, in the case of this preferred embodiment, a rear side transmittance wheel 24 of a pair of front and rear transmittance wheels 24 is formed like a gear at both sides of a shaft 241. In addition, the front side transmittance wheel 24 is formed like a roller at both sides of a shaft 242.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 or the like, the moving cover 22 is supported with a plate 4.

Further this invention, as shown in FIG. 1, is provided with the driving device 6 for rotating the transmittance wheels 24 just for the length which is shorter than a width of the iron surface 31 of the upper iron 3 in a forward or rearward direction in this embodiment, in response to a control signal got from the controller 5 every time the aforementioned upper iron 3 is opened after pressing operation and sending the moving cover 22 rearward.

In the case of this embodiment, the controller 5 is formed microcomputer and the driving device 6 is formed motor.

The controller 5 is electrically connected to a sensor 7 (refer to FIG. 4) for use in detecting the number of rotation of the transmittance wheel 24. Then, the controller 5 is constituted in such a way that when the number of rotation of the transmittance wheel 24 reaches up to a set value, it may output a stop signal to the driving device 6. The set value is set to three times of rotation in this preferred embodiment.

Additionally, in the case of this preferred embodiment, the inner side of the lower iron 2 is evacuated with a suction device 8 (refer to FIGS. 1 and 2 or the like) and it is formed in such a way that the laundry 1 can be sucked and adhered to the moving cover 22. This suction device 8 is formed such that its turned-on or turned-off state can be controlled with a foot switch 81 (refer to FIG. 1).

In addition, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 9 denotes a feeder device for receiving the laundry 1 dropped from the rear side of the lower iron 2 and sending it to its recovering location. This feeder device 9 is formed into a belt-conveyor shape with a motor 91 and an endless transferring belt 92 and arranged below the lower iron 2. Further, reference numeral 10 denotes a case for use in collecting the laundry 1. The laundry 1 is sent to the front side of the device with the feeder device 9 and recovered at this case 10.

In addition, the upper iron 3 in this preferred embodiment is formed in such a way that it can be freely lifted up or lowered. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7 and the like, when a cylinder 11 for the upper iron 3 receives a signal from the controller 5, its rod extends or retracts to lift up or move down the upper iron 3. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8, the upper iron 3 is formed such that its rear side can be pushed down and turned around a lateral shaft 12 extending in a lateral direction as viewed from the front side of the device. In this figure, reference numeral 13 denotes a cylinder for use in pushing down the rear side of the upper iron 3. As the rod of this cylinder 13 extends, the rear side of the upper iron 3 is pushed down and in turn as the rod is retracted, the rear side is pulled up to cause the upper iron 3 to be arranged in a horizontal state.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8 and the like, the upper iron 3 has its rear side to which a drain pipe 14 for use in flowing water generated from steam supplied into the upper iron 3 is connected. Steam supplied from a steam supplying pipe 15 (refer to FIGS. 2 and 3) into the upper iron 3 is heat exchanged to cause its temperature to be reduced and its part is changed into cold water. In this invention, this water is drained through the drain pipe 14 by an operation in which the rod in the cylinder 13 extends to cause the rear side of the upper iron 3 to be pushed down.

Subsequently, an action of this invention of the preferred embodiment will be described as follows.

At first, as shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the operator sets one end of the laundry 1 such as the sheets or the like on the upper surface of the lower iron 2 facing to the operator and turns on a switch 16 of the driving device 6 (refer to FIG. 2). In this case, the laundry 1 is sucked against the moving cover 22 by the sucking device 8. When the switch 16 of the driving device 6 is turned on, the motor is driven to cause the laundry 1 to be sent together with the moving cover 22.

Then, when the transmittance wheels 24 rotate by three times, the controller 5 outputs a stopping signal to the motor acting as the driving device 6 and then the motor stops. With this arrangement, the laundry 1 is sent to the rear side only by an amount slightly shorter than a width of the iron surface 31 of the upper iron 3 in this preferred embodiment in its forward or rearward direction.

Subsequently, the rod in the cylinder 11 for the upper iron 3 extends in reference to the signal got from the controller 5. With this arrangement, the laundry 1 is pressed with the upper iron 3 only for a set time. Then, as the set time elapses, a signal is outputted from the controller 5 to a solenoid valve (not shown) and the solenoid valve changes over a flow path of the air. Under this operation, the rod in the cylinder 11 for the upper iron 3 retracts and the upper iron 3 is lifted by 50 mm in this preferred embodiment and moved away from the upper surface of the lower iron 2.

Next, the controller 5 receives the signal indicating a retraction of the rod in the cylinder 11 for the upper iron 3 and outputs a driving signal to the driving device 6. With this operation, the motor acting as the driving device 6 is driven to cause the laundry 1 to be sent together with the moving cover 22.

Then, as the transmittance wheels 24 are rotated by three times, the motor acting as the driving device 6 stops with a signal got from the controller 5 and subsequently the rod in the cylinder 11 for the upper iron 3 extends.

With this operation, the laundry 1 is pressed with the upper iron 3 by a set time only. Then, as the set time elapses, the rod in the cylinder 11 for the upper iron 3 retracts and the upper iron 3 is opened.

This invention in this preferred embodiment causes the laundry 1 to be sent intermittently in a rearward direction only by a little shorter length than a width of the iron surface 31 of the upper iron 3 together with the moving cover 22 and pressed with the upper iron 3 to finish the laundry 1.

As to the above, this invention is preferable to form: a controller 5 being provided with a control part 5 a (refer to FIG. 1) outputting to the driving device 6 a signal for rotating the transmittance wheels 24 in a reverse direction to return the laundry 1 forward together with the moving cover 22 when a press finishing is completed and the upper iron 3 is opened. By the above, laundry 1 such as handkerchieves and like, is sent to rearward and pressed by the upper iron 3, and then to be returned to the front side for easy recovery.

Additionally this invention is preferable that the feeder device 9 is formed into a slide-shape inclined down toward the front side.

In addition, in the case of the aforesaid example, although the laundry 1 is sucked against the moving cover 22 with the suction device 8, this invention is not restricted by this arrangement. That is, it may also realized in this invention that the moving cover 22 is formed with a cloth having several needle-like bristles, for example, or the plane fastener is arranged at the moving cover to cause a contact friction between the moving cover 22 and the laundry 1 to be increased.

Additionally, in the case of this invention, it is of course apparent that the upper iron 3 may be formed in such a way that it can be turned in a forward and rearward direction of the device.

Further, in the case of this invention, it is suffice if the lower iron 2 is formed in such a way that the moving cover 22 can be circulated and it is not restricted to such a structure as disclosed in the above example. In addition, the laminated structure of the iron main body 21 and the transmittance member 23 may also be optional.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, in this invention, it is preferable to provide and to form

a device 50 for folding back the already press finished laundry 1 dropped from the rear side of the lower iron 2 in a forward or rearward direction and folding while accepting the laundry 1. As shown in FIG. 12, this device 50 is formed to be provided with transmittance belts 53 arranged over an upper side shaft 51 and a pair of front and rear round bars 52, a motor 54 for driving the upper side shaft 51 to circulate the transmittance belts 53, a pair of front and rear rollers 57 forming the transmittance belt 53 into a slant part 55 and a horizontal part 56, and a driving part 58 such as a cylinder or the like for advancing or retracting the horizontal part 56 in a forward or rearward direction. The aforementioned slant part 55 is a location where the laundry 1 dropped from the lower iron 2 is received and brought in a downward direction and the horizontal part 56 is a location where the laundry 1 is brought in a forward or rearward direction.

The aforementioned plural transmittance belts 53 are spaced apart by a predetermined space in a lateral direction in this preferred embodiment and tensioned under a parallel state to each other. In addition, between the transmittance belts 53 are arranged slant plates 59 for use in guiding the laundry 1 to the horizontal part 56.

As shown in FIG. 9 and the like, the aforesaid round bar 52 is arranged in parallel with front and rear positions of a pair of right and left elongated plates 60 and pivotally connected to the plate 60. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the plates 60 are held by a pair of upper and lower rollers 62 arranged inside the raised supporting plates 61 and installed to be slidable in a forward or rearward direction. In addition, the plates 60 are connected to the elongated outer plates 63 arranged outside the supporting plates 61 by a shaft 64. The supporting plates 61 are formed with slits 65 through which the shaft 64 is passed to extend in a forward or rearward direction.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the extremity end of the rod in the cylinder acting as the driving part 58 is pivotally connected near the lower ends of turning members 67 of which upper ends are pivotally connected to the side plates 66. The turning members 67 are arranged at both rear sides of the horizontal part 56 and connected by a bar 68 (refer to FIG. 11 and FIG. 13) in such a manner as one in which a motion of one turning member 67 can be transmitted to the other turning member 67. Then, the lower end of one turning member 67 and the rear end of the outer plate 63 are pivotally connected by a shaft 69. In addition, a pair of front and rear rollers 57 are supported by the supporting plates 61. In this case, the rear roller 57 is attached in such a way that its position can be freely changed in a forward or rearward direction to enable its tension to be adjusted.

Next, an action of this preferred embodiment will be described as follows.

At first, when the transmittance belts 53 are circulated, the laundry 1 dropped from the rear side of the lower iron 2 is guided from the slant part 55 to the horizontal part 56 and sent in a forward direction as shown in FIG. 9. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, when the rod in the cylinder acting as the driving part 58 is extended, the turning members 67 are moved in a rearward direction and the round bar 52, plate 60 and outer plate 63 are moved together in a rearward direction. With this motion, the horizontal part 56 is moved back and as shown in FIG. 9, the rear side position of the laundry 1 is arranged.

Then, when the rod in the cylinder acting as the driving part 58 is retracted, the turning members 67 move in a forward direction and the horizontal part 56 advances forward. With this operation, the front side position of the laundry 1 is arranged as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, repetition of such an operation as above causes the laundry 1 to be folded back by the device 50 and folded.

Next, referring to FIGS. 14 to 16, one preferred embodiment of this invention according to claim 8 will be described. The same members and the same locations as those of the aforementioned example will be denoted with the same reference numerals and their detailed description will be eliminated.

This invention is formed, for example, the lower iron 2 on which the laundry 1 such as handkerchieves and like of a small width face is mounted and the upper iron 3 for depressing the upper surface of the lower iron 2 to press finish the laundry 1, and said lower iron 2 being formed into a belt conveyor shape with the iron main body 21 for accepting a press pressure of the upper iron 3, an annular moving cover 22 for covering the outer peripheral surface of the iron main body 21, endless transmittance members 23 integrally formed with this moving cover 22 and formed into an annular shape, and transmittance wheels 24 over which the endless transmittance members 23 are applied.

The length of the upper surface of the lower iron 2 in a forward or rearward direction is formed to be longer than a width of the iron surface 31 of the upper iron 3 in a forward or rearward direction and the iron main body 21 is position set at the rear side. The upper surface of the lower iron 2 is formed as same as said example, in an upward slant shape from a front side toward a rear side, the upper surface of the iron main body 21 is formed into a convex curved shape as seen from a side surface in correspondence with a concave curved iron surface 31 of the upper iron 3.

Additionally this invention is formed to comprise, the driving device 6 for rotating said transmittance wheels 24 in a normal or a reverse direction, and the control circuit 17 outputting a signal for the driving device 6. (refer to FIG. 14).

Said driving device 6, comprise motor for example. The control circuit 17, realized microcomputer for example, as shown in flow chart of FIG. 16, is outputting to the driving device 6 a signal for rotating the transmittance wheels 24 in a normal direction to send the laundry 1 rearward together with the moving cover 22 so arranging it on the iron main body 21 before pressing, and for rotating the transmittance wheels 24 in a reverse direction to return the laundry 1 forward together with the moving cover 22 when a press finishing is completed and the upper iron 3 is opened. In the case of this invention, count of rotate of the transmittance wheels 24 is selected numerical value enabling to sending or returning the laundry 1 once time.

Subsequently, an action of this invention will be described as follows:

At first, as shown in FIG. 15, an operator sets the laundry 1 such as a handkerchief or the like on the upper surface of the lower iron 2 facing to the operator and turns on the switch 16 of the driving device 6. Then, the motor acting as the driving device 6 rotates in a normal direction and the transmittance wheels 24 rotate in a normal direction, resulting in that the laundry 1 is once transmitted onto the iron main body 21 together with the moving cover 22.

Then, as the laundry 1 is press finished with the upper iron 3 and the upper iron 3 is opened, the motor acting as the driving device 6 is rotated in a reverse direction under application of a signal got from the control circuit 17. As a result, the transmittance wheels 24 are rotated in a reverse direction and the laundry 1 is returned back in a forward direction together with the moving cover 22. Its returning position may be a set position or it may be a position where the laundry 1 is dropped from the front end of the lower iron 2 and returned back to be recovered.

In addition, this invention may also be made such that, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 21, a set work auxiliary device 18 for expanding the laundry 1 in a lateral direction and setting it on the moving cover 22 is installed above the lower iron 2 and the front side position of the upper iron 3. In this case, as the laundry 1, there is provided

such the laundry as one in which an operator hardly sets it with both hands of the operator being expanded, for example, a wide laundry such as the sheets and the like.

The set work auxiliary device 18 is formed to be provided with a pair of right and left clampers 18 a and a sliding mechanism 18 b for sliding the clampers 18 a in such a direction as one in which they are moved away from each other.

The clampers 18 a are formed in such away that when a photoelectric sensor 18 a 2, for example, detects an entering of the end part of the laundry 1 between the upper and lower holding pieces 18 a 1, the rod in the cylinder 18 a 3 is extended to hold the laundry 1.

Additionally, the sliding mechanism 18 b is formed to be provided with a horizontal guide member 18 b 1 arranged along a lateral direction for guiding the clampers 18 a, and a pair of cylinder devices 18 b 2 arranged horizontally along the lateral direction in the same manner as that of the guide member 18 b 1. The rod in each of the cylinder devices 18 b 2 is arranged in opposition to each other and the clampers 18 a are connected to the extremity end of each of the rods through a fixing member 19 in such a way that they can be turned around a vertical shaft 20.

The guide member 18 b 1 and the cylinder devices 18 b 2 are arranged at a front side supporting frame 41, and there limit switches 32 turned on through an inward rotation of the clampers 18 a around the vertical shaft 20 are arranged at the proper positions of right and left ends of the supporting frame 41.

Further, the set work auxiliary device 18 may be one which is formed in such a way that it can be retracted together with the supporting frame 41 under its non-use state by forming the supporting frame 41 in such a way that it can be turned in a rear side upward direction.

Subsequently, an action of this set work auxiliary device 18 will be described as follows.

An operator inserts the right and left ends of the laundry 1, the sheets for example, into a point between the holding pieces 18 a 1 of each of the clampers 18 a under a condition in which the clampers 18 a are approached to each other. Then, the optical path of the photoelectric sensors 18 a 2 is shut off, the rod in the cylinder 18 a 3 is extended with a signal got from each of the photoelectric sensors 18 a 2 and the right and left ends of the laundry 1 are held.

Then, a signal got from the cylinder 18 a 3 is received and the rod in each of the cylinder devices 18 b 2 is extended. As a result, the clampers 18 a are guided by the guide member 18 b 1 and moved to the side, respectively, so as to expand the laundry 1 in a lateral direction and keep it in tension. Then, as the rod is further extended, the clampers 18 a are turned inwardly around the vertical shaft 20 through a resistance force of the tensioned laundry 1 and the limit switches 32 are operated.

With this operation, the driving operation of each of the cylinder devices 18 b 2 is terminated and simultaneously the rod in the cylinder 18 a 3 is retracted and fixing of the right and left ends of the laundry 1 is released. As a result, the laundry 1 drops onto the lower iron 2 and is arranged with its right and left portions being expanded.

Further, when the laundry 1 is arranged on the lower iron 2, the rods in the cylinder devices 18 b 2 are retracted and the clampers 18 a are arranged at the front central part of the lower iron 2 under a state in which they are approached to each other.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, this invention may be applied as one in which a guard member 70 is arranged at the front side of the upper iron 3 so as to prevent the operator's hand or fingers from entering below the upper iron 3. The guard member 70 is formed into a lateral plate, for example, and is arranged over an entire lateral direction of the upper iron 3. The central part of the guard member 70 is fixed to the upper surface of the upper iron 3 with a fixing member 71.

The fixing member 71 is formed by a pair of right and left lateral members 72 extending in a forward or rearward direction and vertical members 73 pivotally arranged at the front side of the lateral members 72. The rear end of the lateral member 72 is pushed against the upper surface of the upper iron 3 with a coil spring 74. In addition, both upper sides of the guard member 70 are pivotally attached to the extremity ends of the supporting members 75. The rear ends of the supporting members 75 are pivotally attached to the right and left columns 76. Additionally, the guard member 70 is resiliently repelled forward with springs 77 arranged inside the supporting members 75. The front side of each of the supporting members 75 is covered with a cover 78. Then, in the case of this invention in this preferred embodiment, a sensor 79 such as a limit switch or the like that is turned on when the operator's hand or fingers contact with the guard member 70 is arranged inside the cover 78. This sensor 79 is electrically connected to the aforementioned controller 5 (the control circuit part 17 in the case of the device of this invention shown in FIG. 14) and is formed in such a way that when the sensor 79 is turned on, the driving operation of the driving device 6 is terminated.

Next, an action of this invention in this preferred embodiment will be described as follows:

At first, when the operator's hand or fingers contact with the guard member 70, the guard member 70 is pushed rearward to cause the sensor 79 to be turned on. Then, the controller 5 receives signal from the sensor 79 and sends a stop signal to the driving device 6 and the driving device 6 stops. With this operation, the operator's hand or fingers are prevented from being held with the upper iron 3.

Subsequently, when the operator's hand or fingers are moved away from the guard member 70, the guard member 70 returns back with a force of the spring 77 and is arranged in a slant form. With this operation, the sensor 79 is turned off, the driving device 6 is started again and the laundry 1 is sent together with the moving cover 22.

Further, motion of the guard member 70 is restricted with the fixing member 71, coil spring 74 and supporting member 75, and the guard member 70 is arranged at a location slightly above the moving cover 22 so as not to be contacted with the moving cover 22 when the moving cover 22 is moved as indicated by a solid line in FIG. 23.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, this invention may also be applicable to one in which members 80 for preventing the moving cover 22 from generating any zigzag motion are arranged at both sides of the lower iron 2. The zigzag motion preventing members 80 in this preferred embodiment are formed with rollers.

The rollers acting as the members 80 for preventing the zigzag motion in this preferred embodiment arranged at both front sides of the lower iron 2, inclined in a slant inward direction and faced upward inside the base frame 811. Side edges of the moving cover 22 are frictionally contacted with the peripheral surfaces of the rollers to restrict its lateral motion. As a result, with this arrangement, the laundry 1 is sent straight together with the moving cover 22 and neatly press finished. 

1. A laundry press finishing device comprising, a lower iron on which a laundry is mounted and an upper iron for depressing the upper surface of the lower iron to press finish the laundry; said lower iron being formed into a belt conveyor shape with an iron main body for accepting a press pressure of the upper iron, an annular moving cover for covering the outer peripheral surface of the iron main body, endless transmittance members integrally formed with this moving cover and formed into an annular shape, and transmittance wheels over which the endless transmittance members are applied; there being provided a driving device for rotating the transmittance wheels only by a predetermined length in response to a control signal got from a controller every time the aforementioned upper iron is opened after pressing operation and sending the moving cover rearward; and the laundry being sent by this driving device rearward together with the moving cover to press finish it with the upper iron.
 2. The laundry press finishing device according to claim 1, wherein the length of the upper surface of the lower iron in a forward or rearward direction is formed to be longer than a width of the iron surface of the upper iron in a forward or rearward direction and the iron main body is position set at the rear side.
 3. The laundry press finishing device according to claim 2, wherein the upper surface of the lower iron is formed in an upward slant shape from a front side toward a rear side, the upper surface of the iron main body is formed into a convex curved shape as seen from a side surface in correspondence with a concave curved iron surface of the upper iron.
 4. The laundry press finishing device according to claim 1, wherein a feeder device for receiving the press finished laundry dropped from the rear side of the lower iron and feeding it to a recovery location is provided and formed.
 5. The laundry press finishing device according to claim 4, wherein the feeder device is formed by a conveyor for feeding the laundry forward and arranged below the lower iron.
 6. The laundry press finishing device according to claim 4, wherein the feeder device is formed into a slide-shape inclined down toward the front side and arranged below the lower iron.
 7. The laundry press finishing device according to claim 1, wherein a device for folding back the already press finished laundry dropped from the rear side of the lower iron in a forward or rearward direction and folding while accepting the laundry is provided and formed.
 8. A laundry press finishing device comprising, a lower iron on which a laundry is mounted and an upper iron for depressing the upper surface of the lower iron to press finish the laundry; said lower iron being formed into a belt conveyor shape with an iron main body for accepting a press pressure of the upper iron, an annular moving cover for covering the outer peripheral surface of the iron main body, endless transmittance members integrally formed with this moving cover and formed into an annular shape, and transmittance wheels over which the endless transmittance members are applied; length of the upper surface of the lower iron in a forward or rearward direction is formed to be longer than a width of the iron surface of the upper iron in a forward or rearward direction, and the iron main body is position set at the rear side, and there being provided and formed a driving device for rotating said transmittance wheels in a normal or a reverse direction, and a control circuit outputting to said driving device a signal for rotating the transmittance wheels in a normal direction to send the laundry rearward together with the moving cover so arranging it on the iron main body before pressing, and for rotating the transmittance wheels in a reverse direction to return the laundry forward together with the moving cover when a press finishing is completed and the upper iron is opened.
 9. The laundry press finishing device according to claim 8, wherein the upper surface of the lower iron is formed into an upward slant shape from the front side toward the rear side, and the upper surface of the iron main body is formed into a convex curved surface as seen from a side surface in correspondence with a concave curved iron surface of the upper iron.
 10. The laundry press finishing device according to claim 1 or claim 8, wherein a set work auxiliary device for expanding the laundry in rightward and leftward directions and arranging it on the moving cover is installed in a near side position of the lower iron and a front side position of the upper iron.
 11. The laundry press finishing device according to claim 1 or claim 8, wherein the front side of the upper iron is provided with a guard member for preventing an operator's hand or fingers from entering below the upper iron.
 12. The laundry press finishing device according to claim 1 or claim 8, wherein members for preventing a zigzag motion of the moving cover are arranged at both sides of the lower iron.
 13. The laundry press finishing device according to claim 1 or claim 8, wherein the upper iron is formed in such a way that its lifting-up or descending motion can be carried out and its rear side can be pushed down and turned around a lateral shaft extending along a lateral direction as seen from a front side, and a drain pipe for use in flowing water generated from steam supplied into the upper iron is connected to the rear side of the upper iron. 